Feb17th- Finalize Chinese adoption paperwork

Today was the day we finalized the Chinese end of Olivia's adoption. We went back to the same hotel- but actually got to go through the front door this time instead of sneaking into the back!

We waited in the same room as last time and then met with an official of the Chinese government. They asked us if we still intended to adopt Olivia. Apparently some people have refused after the first 24 hours. I can't imagine anyone doing that after all the wait- but I guess better up front then later on. The official got a kick out of Mike being a stay-at-home-dad- she laughed and said " That's good for fathers" They also asked inane questions like- will you love her the same as your other children- will you promise not to abuse or abandon her. Of course we answered no- but would anyone ever answer yes?



Then Mike & I officially signed our names & stamped our thumbprints on the documents. They even made Olivia get her foot stamped on the paper too! She wasn't too thrilled- but we got it done!



Olivia got to see a few of her nannies again today. They really seemed to love her and kept coming back to hold or speak to her. At one point Olivia was crawling on the floor- saw them standing at the door and just took off for them to pick her up. I was so grateful to know she was so cared for- she seemed to be a favorite from how I saw them interact with her and the other 2 girls from her orphanage.




The next stop was the Notary- also in the back of a hotel. This lady asked only a few questions. We were surprised to see her dressed in a sweat suit- not exactly what we expected to be the final leg of our Chinese adoption. (At least from the Chinese end) Now we have to stay a minimum of 5 days in her provence before traveling to Guangzhou to go to the US Consulate to get her Visa to return home.



We then enjoyed a lunch at McDonalds. Milkshakes here aren't quite the same as in America- I think because they use ultra-parteurized or canned milk. The Big Mac was also weird without the lettuce. One member of our group has already gotten the stomach bug from forgetting to hold the ice in a drink. Neither MIke & I wish to follow suit- sop we will muddl ethrough the next 8 days!

I did however face the challenge of the Squatty potty. I HAD to go & that is all McDOnalds had. All in all it went better than expected but
I much prefer the Western version. Abbey apparently has a bigger bladder because she held it for several more hours till we got back to the hotel! That a girl!! :)

We then went back to Walmart to pick up the things we forgot the first time. It is so hard to get clothes because she is too skinny for 12 months clothes- but definately needs the length. We guessed what we thought was her size since they measured them in numbers we didn't understand. Olivia loved being wheeled around in the cart- she so likes to watch what everyone else is doing.

After we got back to the hotel she got very crankly & we realized she was running a fever. I had noticed her pulling on her ear the day before- but thought it was just because she was teething. Turns out she had an ear infection. I felt bad I had not checked the day before. SO... bad mommy/doctor started her on the ZIthromax I had brought along. I have looked at a few other kids & given some medical wisdom. Luckily no one has taken advantage of the fact I am a doctor. I don't mind helping out as long as they don't get intrusive and they realize I'm not here as a doctor but a mommy, you know?

She's sleeping peacefully now- hopefully the Motrin & Zithromax will get her feeling better soon. Even being sick- we got our first laugh today!!! We'd had an occasional smile- buit no laugh till today. It was so heart warmng to hear her belly laugh! She still is slow to show affection- and doesn't really like to be comforted when she is held. That's really strange for Mike & I since both our other lids are big snugglers- especially at nighttime at this age!! We are taking it slow- letting her initiate more contact as she feels more comfortable with us.



Please pray she and other members of the group wil be on the mend. Its no fun traveling sick or with a sick kid!!



VI- give Belle a big kiss and hug from us!!!!!!!! We miss her so much & hearing her voice on the phone briefly today made us miss her more!!